Accommodations for Students Under Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Congress’s directive to schools receiving any federal funding to eliminate discrimination based on disability from all aspects of school operation. Mapleton Public School District is required to provide eligible disabled students with equal access to services, programs, and activities offered by the District. Section 504 is a civil rights statute and not a special education statute. Therefore, it is the responsibility of regular education staff and building administration to implement those practices and procedures necessary for a school to fulfill the requirements of this law.

Accommodation:
An accommodation allows a student to complete the same assignment or test as other students, but with a change in the timing, formatting, setting, scheduling, response and/or presentation. The accommodation does not alter in any significant way what the test or assignment measures. The purpose of an accommodation is to provide a student with equal access to learning and an equal opportunity to show what he/she knows and what he/she can do. 

Modification:
A modification is an adjustment to an assignment or a test that changes the standard or what the test or assignment is supposed to measure. Examples of possible modifications include a student completing work on part of a standard or student completing an alternate assignment that is more easily achievable that the standard assignment.

School principals and/or school designees are responsible for maintaining student 504 Plans. If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to your child's school principal.